HMX EMO vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves considering various factors such as actuation force, feedback, and overall typing experience. The HMX EMO switch stands out with its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, which creates a playful and bouncy typing experience enhanced by its exceptional factory lubrication. This makes the EMO a tempting option for those who enjoy a more dynamic feel while typing, perfect for both gamers and typists looking for a satisfying experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, featuring a balanced 53g bottom-out force that caters to users who value a subtle yet responsive keystroke. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels can be a concern. With these highlights in mind, it’s important to consider your own typing preferences and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX EMO and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we see that they utilize different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The EMO incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, offering a sharper, crisper sound that is ideal for RGB lighting setups. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, making for a higher-pitched auditory feedback. On the contrary, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which results in a softer and more muffled sound. Nylon's inherent qualities produce a deeper and rounder audio profile, which contrasts starkly with the EMO's brighter tones, emphasizing a smoother and less intrusive typing experience.
Examining the bottom housing reveals an intriguing reversal of materials in the two switches. The EMO features a nylon bottom housing, complementing its top housing's sound characteristics by providing a fuller and deeper sound profile. The absorption capacity of nylon here contributes to a plush sound when bottoming out, leading to a quieter and more subdued feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, giving it a sharper character that echoes the qualities of the EMO's top housing. This combination results in a distinct sound that is crisp and resonant to the bottoming out of each keystroke, creating a different auditory experience when compared to the rubberized feel of the EMO.
The handfeel and acoustic interaction when typing on both switches will thus reflect the nuances of their material compositions. The EMO offers a unique typing experience through a blend of sharper top-end sounds and deep feedback from the nylon bottom, while the Silent Sakura - 53g delivers a more muted experience with its nylon top that softens the audible signal, contrasting with the vibrant sounds produced by its polycarbonate bottom. Despite these differences, both switches use their materials effectively to cater to various user preferences. In both cases, users can achieve quality feedback, whether they prefer the clean, articulate sounds of polycarbonate or the warm, deeper tones associated with nylon. The auditory experience will vary based on these materials, but excellent performance can be expected from both switches due to their thoughtful engineering.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EMO features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing and gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable for tactile feedback. Thus, while the EMO is the lighter option overall, those choosing the Silent Sakura will experience a bit more resistance, which could be favored by individuals seeking a stronger push feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing dynamics, with the EMO being more suited for extended use and the Sakura catering to users who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it’s clear that they differ. The HMX EMO has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the EMO switch provides a shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker response times, making it well-suited for gamers seeking enhanced speed. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch, with its greater travel distance, may cater to users who prefer a more pronounced key press feeling, offering a sense of depth in their typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy a more responsive touch, the EMO might be the better choice, while those who lean towards a more substantial feel would likely prefer the Silent Sakura switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX EMO switch is known for its lively and slightly clacky auditory feedback, creating an engaging typing experience that resonates with typists who enjoy a bit of acoustic dynamism with each keystroke. The clackiness can be quite pronounced, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory indication of their typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a markedly different auditory experience. Engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, the Silent Sakura switches elicit sounds reminiscent of gentle raindrops, allowing for a serene and unobtrusive typing environment. This distinction makes the EMO suitable for more expressive typing, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer discretion.
When considering the feel, the HMX EMO switch excels with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides a bouncy and effortless typing experience, highlighted by an exceptionally smooth and satisfying response thanks to its factory lubrication. This makes it especially enjoyable for longer typing sessions, as it minimizes fatigue. The Silent Sakura - 53g, while slightly heavier at a 53g bottom-out force, maintains a smooth keystroke that strikes a balance between lightness and a fulfilling tactile sensation. Typists may appreciate the satisfying keystroke that the Silent Sakura offers despite its slightly firmer feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who want comfort without sacrificing subtlety.
In summary, both the HMX EMO and the HMX Silent Sakura switches offer distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences. The EMO appeals to those who enjoy a lively, clacky sound and a feather-light, bouncy feel, while the Silent Sakura caters to typists looking for a quiet yet satisfying keystroke with a balanced touch. Ultimately, your choice between these two will hinge on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or a tranquil typing experience in conjunction with a comfortable feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you thrive in a lively atmosphere and enjoy a keyboard that offers a bounce with every keystroke, the nimble and light 46g bottom-out force of the EMO switch will provide an engaging and satisfying typing experience. It’s particularly beneficial for those who appreciate audible feedback, as the EMO has a clacky sound that can make typing feel more dynamic and exciting. On the other hand, if you often work in quieter settings or share your space with others, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for a more subdued experience. Its whisper-quiet operation and balanced 53g bottom-out force offer a smooth yet tactile feel that strikes a middle ground between light and firm, catering to those who prioritize a tranquil environment without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the sounds you enjoy, and the settings in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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